To the Inviter:
- Give your guests a reasonable amount of time to decide whether or not they can go by sending "save the dates" a month in advance.
- To those who reply with a "yes", hand them a proper invitation two weeks before the selected party date.
Save the Date---a simple email or slip of paper that says what the party is for and the date and time. If your party requires a certain amount of guests, don't include the location to ensure that all guests RSVP and don't just decide to show up at your door the day of.
For Example:
Vanessa and Jenny's First Annual Murder Mystery Party!
October 23, 2009 at 6:00pm
RSVP @ 555-1234
Please RSVP for more info!
Invitation---includes date, time, place, "to bring", who it's for, and what it is.
For example:
Vanessa and Jenny's First Annual Murder Mystery Party
Date: October 23, 2009
Time: 6:00pm - 10:00pm
Place: 5555 N. Fake St.
Admission is $5 per person, which includes a full dinner and 3-4 hours of entertainment.
Come dressed as your chosen character!
To the Invitee:
- When invited, reply to the host/hostess within three of receiving it (even just to say you haven't decided yet). Within one week of receiving it, reply with your final decision.
- If you cannot go, tell the inviter. Don't tell them you'll try to come, they need a definite answer.
- Never ever reply saying you will be there and then don't show up. If you know you won't be able to go ahead of time, let them know so they don't spend unnecessary money or end up waiting for you.
